Woman Hangs Herself In Police Holding Cell

SEATTLE - A 39-year-old North Seattle woman, arrested on suspicion of theft, apparently hanged herself with her shoelaces in a North Precinct holding cell late Saturday night, police said.

An autopsy is scheduled today for Katherine Thompson.

Thompson was wanted for suspicion of auto theft, felony theft and $300 worth of misdemeanor warrants. Police were informed Saturday night she was in a tavern on Greenwood Avenue North. When officers tried to arrest her, Thompson resisted and assaulted the officers, said police spokesman Sean O'Donnell.

Thompson was brought to the North Precinct and placed in a cell at about 10:10 p.m. O'Donnell said officers checked on her at least three times. At about 11:20, she was found lying on the floor. O'Donnell said it appeared that she used her shoelaces to hang herself.

Officers tried to revive her. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene.